Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy

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From madam to nun in mid twentieth century France - Rated
Ms Godden writes movingly and with sensitive clarity of a woman entering convent life in her middle age.

Dextrously exploring the character's previous life as a madam, she seamlessly contrasts a gritty depiction of a Parisian brothel with the day to day life of a French convent in mid-twentieth century France.

Yet the contrast between the two is not as abrupt as it might seem. Ms Godden handles both settings with exquisite sensitivity and without heavy-handed cliche. The storyline segues effortlessly between the two, the characters although evolving remain constant and aligned with reality - no sudden seeing of the light is in evidence, rather their motivations change in harmony with the book itself.

Details of both convent life and elsewhere are accurate and convincing, also beautifully handled in a way that makes the reader familiar with the depiction as opposed to alienated. The main character, although a convicted murderer, is highly sympathetic and evokes both respect and understanding. The depiction of the young girl who is adopted by the brothel and taken under the wing of "La Balafree" is like cut glass in its clarity and vision - truly outstanding.

Incredibly moving and memorable, I highly recommend this book as one of the author's best. On a separate note it is also a fascinating insight into pre-Vatican 2 convent life.